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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nikhat Shameem
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This paper reports on patterns of language use in eight primary schools in Fiji. It looks specifically at the schism between policy and practice in vernacular language use in the classroom for Indo-Fijians, who form nearly half of Fiji’s population. Forty-eight Indo-Fijian children and their teachers were observed in multi and mono-ethnic (Indo-Fijian) schools and in out-of-city and city schools. Indo-Fijians know Fiji Hindi as their mother tongue, English as the lingua franca and official language, learn Shudh Hindi/Urdu at school and pick up Fijian from their neighbours and friends. SH/Urdu is the educationally acceptable mother tongue for use as the vernacular language of instruction in the first 3 years of primary school. Indo-Fijians have limited proficiency in this language. The study looked at how each language was used in the classroom and for which functions as well as current student proficiencies in each language.
Author(s): Shameem N
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Intercultural Studies
Year: 2002
Volume: 23
Issue: 32
Pages: 267-284
Print publication date: 03/08/2010
ISSN (print): 0725-6868
ISSN (electronic): 1469-9540
Publisher: Routledge
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07256860216388
DOI: 10.1080/07256860216388
Notes: Teachers reported and observed language(s) of instruction are compared at three different points in primary schools. The languages used for various classroom functions are described. It was found that in this multilingual community at least, all known languages are important resources in the classroom. Research was undertaken with 8 primary schools, 4 multiracial and 4 Indo-Fijian schools. 48 student participants, 24 teachers, 8 school headteachers, permanent secretary for education, curriculum development advisors in Hindi, English & Urdu. Research instruments used: self report questionnaires, structured interviews, transcripts of classroom observation, videoed data and audiotaped classroom data of 72 research respondents.
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